The purpose of this study is to test whether "red morphine drops" applied in the mouth are superior to an equivalent amount of morphine applied as subcutaneous injection for the relief of breathlessness in terminal patients suffering from primary lung cancer or lung metastases.

Breathlessness or dyspnea in terminal cancer patients with lung cancer is common and opioids such as morphine is the mainstay of symptomatic treatment. Subcutaneous administration of morphine provides fast symptomatic relief, but it has been the impression in our institution that "red morphine drops" applied orally may have equal or better efficacy and faster onset time.

Comparison: Patients with lung cancer or lung metastases with moderate to severe dyspnea at rest are treated with either orally applied "red morphine drops" or an equivalent amount of morphine applied subcutaneously.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older (Adult, Senior)

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Primary lung cancer or lung metastases and

Moderate to severe dyspnea at rest (VAS equal to or more than 30)

Exclusion Criteria:

Causal treatment of dyspnea possible and indicated

Not receiving opioids on a regular basis

Methadone treatment

Intolerance to morphine

Without understanding of patient information

Depressed consciousness

Oxygen treatment, if changed with-in 20 min before start

Short-acting opioids with-in 4 h before start

Inhalation therapy for bronchodilation with-in 20 min before start

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00338481